Police officer’s behaviour ‘fell short’ of what is expected

Police watchdogs have found the behaviour of an Eastbourne chief superintendent who was argumentative and challenging while off-duty ‘fell short of what is expected of a police officer’.

Neil Honnor faced a hearing last week and received management advice.

Today IPCC Commissioner Jennifer Izekor said, “Following our investigation into the off-duty behaviour of two Sussex police officers, in the investigators’ opinion, there was a case to answer for gross misconduct for a chief superintendent.

“He was both argumentative and unnecessarily challenging to members of the public and junior officers, having previously identified himself as a police officer.

“His standards of behaviour fell short of what is expected of a police officer and especially a Chief Superintendent.

“After discussions with Sussex Police, we agreed that the officer would attend a misconduct meeting. Sussex Police have informed us that this has taken place he has now received management advice.”

A spokesman for the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales said, “Chief Superintendent Honnor has been cleared of gross misconduct, and both the IPCC and the force panel have found no evidence of any racist or criminal behaviour.

“He has cooperated fully with the investigation from the outset.

“He has received words of advice, the lowest level of sanction the panel could give.

“Chief Superintendent Honnor has served as a police officer for more than 29 years with a distinguished career and is committed to continuing his role in keeping the people of Sussex safe.”